Bill Text: MI HR0196 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize the U.S. Congress to adopt Election Day, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, as a national holiday.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 18-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-11-05 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [HR0196 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0196-Introduced.html
house resolution no.196
Reps. Manoogian, Camilleri, Wittenberg, Guerra, Tyrone Carter, Hammoud, Pagan, Lasinski and Brixie offered the following resolution:
A resolution to memorialize the U.S. Congress to adopt Election Day, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, as a national holiday.
Whereas, Voting is the cornerstone of our democratic republic. Through voting, we elect leaders and lawmakers; make public policy decisions; and express opinions at the national, state, and local levels. Respecting and championing the vote is central to maintaining the highest ideals of the United States—liberty, justice, and equality; and
Whereas, As a momentous part of our nation and identity, voting deserves to be celebrated and encouraged through a national holiday. The country has many distinct days that honor great people and events, which are appropriately distinguished as national holidays. However, there is not a national holiday specifically centered on voting and its significance to our society and its founding principles; and
Whereas, A national holiday designation would ease obstacles to voting and increase election participation. Voter turnout is negatively impacted by work schedules, time constraints, and related barriers. By making the November election a holiday, these problems and associated issues like excessively long morning and evening lines at polling places would be mitigated. With more time to cast their ballots, voters would be better able to exercise their democratic rights. Moreover, with more citizens voting, our elections would be more representative of the country and its communities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the U.S. Congress to adopt Election Day, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, as a national holiday; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
